05/19/2026
Thank you to Wilkes Rescue Group for sharing such important information regarding boarding safety and advocating for our pets and community. Our hearts continue to break for Pneuma, Melo, and their family. Stories like this remind us how important it is to research facilities, ask questions, tour properties, and ensure our furbabies are placed in safe, loving environments. Awareness matters. Accountability matters. Our pets depend on us to be their voice. 🐾
Please take a moment to read and share the original post from Wilkes Rescue Group to help spread education and awareness throughout the pet community.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18xe14LoRe/
📣VERY IMPORTANT, LIFE SAVING INFORMATION - PLEASE READ!📣
⚠️WARNING: Sensitive Animal Cru*lty Details⚠️
This post is in response to the horrific, tragic m*rders of two huskies, Pneuma Paisley and Melo Jay, in a boarding facility in Buncombe County, NC, among other animals that nearly died there during the month of April 2026. Pneuma and Melo were very loved, beautiful souls that were tragically taken too soon.
I am going to link Pneuma and Melo’s owner’s, Morgan, Instagram page in the comments so you can read all the horrific, devastating details yourself, BUT also read about the beautiful lives and memories of these two beloved dogs to honor them in the way they deserve.
This post intends to serve as education, not to be punitive to good boarding facilities. With this said, we have asked some boarding facilities that we trust and have used for WRG dogs, questions about what you should ask boarding facilities before boarding your pets, what you should look for, and what safety precautions they take.
🐾From Monica Foster, Owner of Lucky Dogs Grooming and Boarding - Wilkes County, NC:
“I would never take my dog to a place that I couldn’t visit and meet the owner. I do send pictures and videos and encourage the owners to reach out for updates if they want. The state regulations help to ensure safety, like having a secondary parameter fence. You can also view all the rules at that web site. I installed automatic closing doors that lock when shut.”
Monica suggested checking this website to make sure a boarding facility is licensed and in good standing with the state:
https://apps.ncagr.gov/AgRSysPortalV2/licensesearch?owner=veve&licensetype=041
🐾From Amanda Cowles, Owner of Wilkes Wags and Wiggles - Doggie Daycare and Boarding - Wilkes County, NC:
“At Wilkes Wags and Wiggles, we know that choosing someone to care for your dog is a huge decision. Boarding should never be “just a place to stay”. It should be a safe, loving, structured environment where your furbaby is cared for like family.
We encourage every dog owner searching for boarding services to ask the important questions before leaving their dog anywhere. Your dog deserves the very best care possible.
Here are a few critical things every boarding facility should provide:
•A Boarding Kennel License issued by the state
•Proper supervision and trained staff
Clean, sanitized indoor and outdoor spaces
•Safe dog grouping and temperament evaluations
•Vaccination requirements for all guests
•Emergency procedures and veterinary contacts
•Daily exercise, enrichment, and social interaction
•Transparency and communication with pet parents
Most importantly, trust your instincts. A good facility should make you feel comfortable, welcomed, informed, and confident the moment you walk through the door.”
🐾From Dr. Lillian Royal, Owner of Wilkes Veterinary Hospital - Wilkes County, NC:
“I would definitely recommend asking for a tour of any facility before boarding there. Also, ask if they can send updates including pictures. We are happy to do that when our clients ask us to. I would also check reviews and BBB status/reports on any facility as well to look for any red flags. Maybe even do a trial stay of a single day or weekend first before committing to a longer stay to assess the physical and mental condition of your dog after you pick them up.”
If you have any questions about the facilities we have listed, or any other facility that you may use, please reach out to them. The facilities that we listed are transparent and want you to ask questions.
Please understand that taking all of these recommended measures does not ensure the safety and well being of your pet. Doing your due diligence is important, but not fail-proof.
Call to Action:
If you want to take action, consider reaching out to your state representatives to start the conversation about the importance of boarding and training facilities (in-home or otherwise), as well as individuals, being licensed. We have also been told that the animal welfare division is severely understaffed and doesn't investigate violations unless there is a complaint. This division is important and needs to be funded at a higher level! Additionally, report any bad experience you have, whether it seems trivial or not…it can save a life! Don’t forget to give honest reviews about your experiences to let others know, good or bad.
**There will be NO tolerance for guilt shaming the owner of Pneuma and Melo! Morgan, Pneuma and Melo’s mom, had used this facility before and had no reason to suspect that they would not be safe, much less such an evil act would take place. Please read Morgan’s stories on Instagram for more information and details of this case and the stories of Pneuma and Melo, as well as to find out how you can help in their case.
SHARE THIS INFO FAR AND WIDE!
